Chapter 7 - Is It Funny That the Reincarnated Senior Sister Is Also Being Pursued?

Early in the morning, Mu Jianli stood at the entrance of Bai Lian’s residence. With an air of elegance, she held her sword, her back straight, and her waist-length hair was tied into a ponytail that gently fluttered in the morning breeze. As the second-ranking disciple of the Taihua Sword Sect, her presence naturally attracted significant attention from fellow disciples. Although, for various reasons, she wasn’t as closely followed in everyone's minds as Bai Lian, the crucial point was that everyone was aware of their infamous adversarial relationship. Many speculated that their rivalry might one day evolve into a battle for the sect's legacy, considering they were both unparalleled talents in the realm of cultivation. While neither may ascend to the position of sect leader in the future, each could at least command their own peak within the sect. Because of this, Mu Jianli’s presence here raised many questions. Disciples living nearby, drawn by the unusual spectacle, gathered, with some inviting others, leading to a crowd eager for excitement. Everyone started speculating about why Mu Jianli was suddenly at the senior sister’s doorstep. “Isn’t Junior Sister Jianli supposed to be out slaying demons and defending the path? Why is she back so suddenly?” “Not sure… I heard that she didn’t even return to Ling Ningshuang Peak and came straight to the senior sister.” “Oh my, could she be here to fight? I heard their relationship isn’t good!” “Senior Sister, I’m new here. Why is there such a bad relationship between Senior Sister and Jianli?” “No one knows for sure. It’s rumored to be related to the senior sister’s brother…” “What? Senior Sister has a brother?” In the midst of the chatter, Bai Lian groggily awoke. The sect wasn’t as dangerous as the outside world, so she didn’t bother with soundproofing or defense formations. Plus, given her relatively isolated residence, she usually awoke naturally. However, today was different. Despite the walls, she could hear the commotion outside. What was going on? Had the nightmare of being cornered and turned into a juice maiden by the lead characters come true? Haha, laughable. She opened the door, and the sunlit, handsome face of Mu Jianli filled her view. “Hiss…” As if seeing a ghost, she covered her eyes helplessly and asked, “Junior Sister Jianli, what are you doing here so early?” Don’t you know, standing there holding your sword, you look exactly like you did in my dream when you were cutting me down? You almost scared my spirit out of my body! Mu Jianli blinked and replied, “Yesterday, you mentioned the Ling Spring at Yao Peak. Although I’ve heard of it, I’ve never tried its effects.” “I recently made a breakthrough, but my state is unstable. I’m not familiar with Yao Peak, so I wanted to ask you to accompany me.” “Senior Sister, you won’t blame me for being presumptuous, right?” As if you’re not familiar with Yao Peak! In the game, I invited you to the hot spring there daily. By now, you could probably walk there with your eyes closed and know exactly how many rocks there are by the spring! And that last line of yours, the green-tea aura is practically spilling over! Give me back my slightly naive Junior Sister, you irritating person! Bai Lian internally ranted, but there was no way to refuse now. She resignedly murmured, “For this, you could’ve just used a message talisman. No need to come here so early, right?” “You know our relationship in the eyes of our sect peers…” The surrounding disciples eagerly watching, even those from other peaks arriving, and people perched on trees— Seriously, you’re all disciples of the prestigious Taihua Sword Sect! In the eyes of mortals, you’re capable cultivators, and among peers, formidable sword masters. Yet now you’re clustered like gossip mongers perched in trees? What’s going on? Can’t you maintain a bit of poise as esteemed disciples? “Our relationship among our sect peers?” Mu Jianli tilted her head, seemingly puzzled. “Our relationship isn’t for others to judge. Why care about their opinions?” With that, she, to the surprise of all, stepped forward and embraced Bai Lian’s arm. “Senior Sister, let’s go. I’m quite eager to experience the spring’s effects.” Feeling her warmth and the softness against her arm, Bai Lian tensed up. Mu Jianli’s figure was deceptively modest. In her form-fitting Taihua Sword Sect robe, her slender physique seemed unassuming. Only Bai Lian knew that, appearances aside, she had a broad chest, made even more enticing by her years of sword training. That explains why Bai Lian often relished bringing Mu Jianli to the Ling Spring for hot spring eggs. “Senior Sister, what’s wrong?” Mu Jianli narrowed her almond eyes, watching Bai Lian’s profile, trying to discern some flaw in her expression. Her decision to wait here from early morning wasn’t on a whim. The Ling Spring at Yao Peak held special memories for her. It was there she shared countless beautiful moments with Bai Lian. Back then, Bai Lian’s tenderness had brought her an indescribable warmth, something deeply cherished by someone who learned to interpret emotions from a young age. She even regarded the spring they frequently visited as their shared home. Even with the growing number of other women in her life, and despite realizing Bai Lian’s tenderness wasn’t solely for her, the spring’s significance in her heart never diminished. She believed Bai Lian held the same special sentiment for it. “Nothing, really.” Bai Lian sighed, a wry smile on her face. “I’m just not used to you being so close.” In truth, it was because she was too accustomed to it that, experiencing it again after so long, brought a nostalgic pang. “Let’s not dwell on it. Since you just recently made a breakthrough, the Ling Spring is indeed perfect for you. I know of a hidden, highly effective spring that only my master and I are aware of. We’ll be undisturbed.” “There are too many people here. Let’s talk as we walk.” She glanced at the crowd around them, feeling a twinge of helplessness. She could already foresee the news of her and Mu Jianli’s intimate interaction spreading across the Taihua Sword Sect. Mu Jianli’s gesture was a declaration of sorts, asserting her claim. To whom, though, remained unclear. Perhaps to her teacher, Gu Qingqing, who used Mu Jianli to test her, or maybe to Ling Ningshuang, silently observing from a distance. Regardless of who it was, Bai Lian couldn’t be bothered to care anymore. After all, she was about to take Mu Jianli to the Ling Spring for a feast for the eyes. As for who was feasting on whom… She hoped nothing would happen to the hot spring eggs…